Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has launched the new Tayron as the successor to the extended Tiguan – previously marketed locally as the Tiguan Allspace. The Tayron (the name is a combination of ‘tiger’ and ‘iron’) was originally developed for the China market and the first generation launched in 2018 was made and sold only in that market.
Since 2024, as a replacement for the Tiguan in some markets, the second generation was made a global model. Besides China, it is produced in Germany, Mexico, India and also assembled in Malaysia at the Volkswagen facility in Pekan, Pahang.
Two versions
It is offered in two versions – Elegance, which is immediately available and priced from RM189.890, and R-Line, which will be in showrooms a bit later on. The sportier R-Line has an estimated price between RM259,000 and RM269,000.
Dimensionally, the Tayron is significantly larger than the Tiguan Allspace with an overall length of 4792 mm (+253 mm), overall width of 1853 mm (+1 11 mm) and also 29 mm taller. The wheelbase is also 114 mm, allowing for three rows of seats in the cabin to accommodate 7 persons.
Latest VW design language
The design incorporates Volkswagen’s latest design language which, for the Elegance version, has LED Plus headlights, dynamic headlight range control with integrated cornering and poor weather functions, 3D LED taillights, and roof rails. Other standard features include illuminated front and rear Volkswagen logos connected by light strips, LED-illuminated door handle recesses, automatic illumination when the engine is switched off, and 18-inch Napoli dual-tone alloy wheels.
The R-Line variant gets upgraded equipment such as IQ.LIGHT HD Matrix headlights with advanced high-beam control, dynamic turn signals, R-Line front and rear bumpers, a R-line radiator grille, and larger 20-inch York black alloy wheels.
A better user experience
Having been stung by criticism of the haptic controls in the Golf 8, Volkswagen designers have reverted (in the Golf 8.5) to physical button controls on the steering wheel along with an illuminated touch bar positioned below the central screen. This same approach is taken for the Tayron cockpit. The gear selector is mounted on the steering column, like many cars today.
The driver has a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit display directly in front, with a large 12.9-inch central screen that has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Other standard equipment for the Elegance version includes Varenna leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable ergoActive Plus front seats with heating/ventilation and massage functions, 30-colour ambient lighting system, two 15W wireless charging pads, 8-speaker audio system, and triple-zone automatic climate control.
For the extra money, the R-Line has brushed stainless steel sports pedals, Artvelours upholstery, headliner in black and R-Line front scuff plates of aluminium. The audio system, by Harman Kardon, also has 10 speakers.
The large cabin starts off with 345 litres of cargo space at the back with the third row in use. Along with extending the floor length, the volume can go up to 1,905 litres when both the second and third row are folded. 40:20:40 division for the backrests of the second row allow for flexibility in carrying people or cargo.
Different powertrains
Each version has a different powertrain, with the Elegance being powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder eTSI 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) petrol engine – similar to the latest Golf R-Line. The powertrain produces 150 bhp/250 Nm of torque, with power delivered through 7-speed dual-clutch wet DSG transmission to the front wheels.
While hybrid electric powertrains usually mean that an electric motor is present to share the job of moving the car, a MHEV uses a small electric motor/generator for the purpose of improving fuel efficiency and enhancing acceleration. No recharging is needed and the cost is lower than other electrified powertrains.
The R-Line comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 265 bhp/400 Nm and all this output goes to all four wheels via Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
Both versions include IQ.DRIVE, Volkswagen’s name for its ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) which integrates adaptive cruise control, lane assist, emergency assist, travel assist, front assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, side assist with rear traffic alert and exit warning, and Park Assist Plus. For the R-Line, there’s also a 360o surround-view display.
Early Bird Offer
To celebrate the launch and the upcoming Merdeka season, the first 69 owners will receive an early bird package consisting of 7 years of free scheduled maintenance, comprehensive insurance coverage, plus a chance to win a luxury getaway holiday.
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